Buzz building at The Lakes

It's a big year for The Lakes Golf Club with the course set to host its third consecutive Emirates Australian Open.

In doing so, the club becomes the first since The Australian Golf Club in the late 1970s to host three consecutive Opens.

The Lakes Golf Club President Kevin Chandler said the anticipation around the club was building as the Australian golfing summer edges closer.

"Once again there is a real buzz around The Lakes Golf Club as we prepare for our third year as home of the Emirates Australian Open," Chandler said.

"The course has matured significantly over that time and this year will again be in pristine Championship condition with firm and fast greens."

Prior to the championship returning to The Lakes in 2010, the course previously hosted the 1964,1980 and 1992 championships - won by none other than Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Steve Elkington.

The roll call of champions will continue in 2012 with Australia's World Number 6 Adam Scott joined by 8-time Major winner Tom Watson, defending champion Greg Chalmers and 2010 champion Geoff Ogilvy among early commitments to the Open.

"Our members are very proud to have hosted six Australian Opens and we are extremely excited to welcome back past players and champions to our wonderful club," Chandler said.

"Visitors last year commented that The Lakes is excellent for spectators with lots of vantage points surrounding the undulating course which provide excellent gallery viewing," he added.